“I believe that’s what he told you.”

She briefly appeared relieved.

Then I added, “But you should have asked me.”

“I know.”

She rubbed her face.

“There’s something else.”

I waited.

“About a year ago, Seth had some trouble with his truck.”

I frowned.

“I know. The engine had to be replaced.”

“Did he tell you how he paid for it?”

“He said he’d been saving.”

Heather closed her eyes.

“Oh, God.”

“What?”

Her expression unsettled me.

“Did Seth ever tell you he borrowed money from me?”

“No.”

“Six thousand four hundred dollars.”

I stared.

“He owes you sixty-four hundred dollars?”

She nodded.

“And three weeks ago, he told me he’d found a way to pay it back.”

An uneasy feeling settled in my stomach.

“What way?”

Heather glanced at my wedding gown.

Then she spoke quietly.

“Natalie, I think you need to sit down.”

PART 2 — THE REAL AGREEMENT

Chapter 5 — The Price He Put on My Time

We moved into a small room adjoining the fellowship hall.